Yes, you heard it right Bayer Leverkusen wonder kid, Leon Bailey’s World Cup could take a big twist if he were to make the England 2018 World Cup squad. And before anyone says he is a Jamaican international, he is eligible to play for The Three Lions. How?
Even though the 23-year-old was born in Jamaica, his grandparents have British passports and he is hoping to play for national side.
For Bailey, despite his immense talent and skill, he still has not represented the Caribbean island at senior level. After a stand-off with his family and Jamaican Football Federation.
Will he feature for England at 2018 World Cup
Leon Bailey has only featured in the Under 23s Jamaica side, playing just once. Former Borussia Mochengblach midfielder Winfried Schafer was the manager of Jamaica between 2013 and 2016. He wanted the 23-year-old to be called up. However, Bailey rejected advances between then.
Craig Butler, who is his step-father and agent, said
“I AM A JAMAICAN AND LEON IS BORN A JAMAICAN, WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY. WE WANT WHAT’S BEST FOR THE COUNTRY, AS LONG AS IT DOESN’T AFFECT LEON”
Butler goes on to say “The main issue is and always will be whether we have a proper football culture to allow players to work in a uniform and systematic way.”
But there is bad news, for Bailey to be eligible to play for England his grandparents need to be born in England. But there were not only after having British passports. Apparently, this whole rumor has come about by his agent Butler. Who is putting pressure on Jamaica Federation with rumors saying England, Belgium, and Malta are all interested in him.
Will he be playing in the Premier League next season?
The Bayer Leverkusen winger has been linked with moves to the big guns in England with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Leon Bailey has been an impressive performer for Bayer Leverkusen this season with eleven goals and five assists in all competitions.
Bailey moved to Bayer last January from Genk for £20 million and made only nine appearances in Bundesliga since his move. He has been one of best performers in Germany with his club career and international career in doubt.
Leon Bailey is one of a number players that could leave Germany by August with Max Meyer likely to leave on a free transfer. The German midfielder rejected a second contract from Bundesliga club. He has now alerted Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool. La Liga giants Barcelona have already scouted the 21-year-old. Meyer was told at the start of the season that Gorzetka was their main concern. But lost him to Bayern. Schalke have failed to tie a new deal down for German International.
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